Ireland Women To Play USA And England In November
The Ireland Women’s November international schedule was confirmed today with the announcement that in addition to the match against USA in Dublin, Adam Griggs’ side will travel to Twickenham to play England the following weekend.
The Ireland Women’s team will face the USA at Energia Park in Donnybrook on Sunday, November 18 before travelling to England to face the Red Roses at Twickenham on Saturday, November 24.
England are familiar opposition from the Women’s Six Nations but the two sides have met in the November window in recent seasons and both games were tight affairs. In 2015 they clashed at the Twickenham Stoop in a first ever November international for an Ireland Women’s team that included nine new caps. England edged the game 8-3 with a late score.
England travelled to Ireland in 2016 when ten points from out-half Nora Stapleton, who converted her own try and added a penalty, fell just short of England’s twelve-point tally on the day.
Ireland last played the USA at this level in the 2014 Women’s Rugby World Cup when an-18 point tally from Niamh Briggs helped Ireland to a 23-17 win. The Americans finished fourth at the 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup in Ireland, losing to France in the Bronze final.
Ireland Women’s head coach Adam Griggs is looking forward to the challenge the two November games will bring, saying: “It’s great to have the two fixtures confirmed for November and it’s something we’re working hard towards. The USA and England are both top class opposition which is always who you want to test yourself against.
“It’s also going to give us much needed game-time under Test match pressure which will be invaluable as we lead into next year’s Six Nations preparation.
“The Women’s Interpros get underway this weekend and the season is set to get off to a great start. I’m looking forward to seeing all the players, who have put in a lot of hard work with their provinces over the pre-season, put their hand up for selection over the coming weeks.”
IRELAND WOMEN – 2018 NOVEMBER INTERNATIONAL FIXTURES:
IRELAND WOMEN v USA Women
Energia Park, Donnybrook, Dublin
Sunday, November 18, kick-off tbc
England Women v IRELAND WOMEN
Twickenham Stadium, London
Saturday, November 24, kick-off 5.40pm